Nuno Sa Punso : The Mound Spirit

Nuna Sa Punso

Introduction

Nuna Sa Punso, enigmatic and revered mythical beings, hold the esteemed role of ancestral guardians and protectors of nature within the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore. These spirits, found throughout the Philippines, serve as a vital link between the living and the spiritual world, with their tales differing across regions but sharing a common origin rooted in the spirits of deceased ancestors.

While anthills serve as the most renowned abodes for the Nuna Sa Punso, these spirits are also believed to inhabit other locations, such as beneath large rocks, within the gnarled roots of ancient trees, along riverbanks, within cavernous caves, and even in the tranquility of a backyard. These chosen dwelling places bear significance as they often relate to the specific nature of the guardian spirit’s protective role.

Physical Traits

A Nuno sa Punso is characterized as a diminutive elderly figure, distinguishing it from the duwende or dwarf in Philippine folklore. These enigmatic beings are depicted as small, aged men, standing at a height of more than three feet and weighing roughly 36 pounds. Their distinguishing feature is their long, flowing beards, evoking an image of elderly wisdom. In certain narratives, these Nuno sa Punso wear a salakot, a traditional wide-brimmed hat crafted from rattan or reeds, adding to their distinct appearance. Notably, female Nuno sa Punso are rarely mentioned in folk stories, further contributing to the air of mystery surrounding these mythical beings.

Family

The nuno spirits are revered as the ethereal presence of ancestors in Filipino culture. In various situations, such as the need to cut down a tree or cultivate untamed land, and on numerous other occasions, it is customary to seek the permission of the nuno spirits. This practice serves to avert any potential misfortunes that may arise from inadvertently incurring their displeasure.

Other names

The nuno sa punso, also known as the “old man of the mound,” As these creatures are said to inhabit anthills or termite mounds, it gave rise to their evocative name, which translates to “Ancestor or Grandparent living in the anthill.”

Powers and Abilities

Many Filipinos, particularly those residing in rural areas, adhere to strong beliefs about the Nuno Sa Punso. It is widely regarded as disrespectful and inauspicious to cause harm or disruption to these sacred mounds. Should someone inadvertently step on or disturb a punso, it is customary to utter the phrase “Tabi tabi po” or “Excuse me” as a mark of respect for the Nuno.

Folklore conveys that individuals who show disrespect to the Nuno may encounter a string of misfortunes or health issues. This condition, locally known as “Nabati,” can only be remedied by a traditional healer who conducts a ritual to placate the angered Nuno. Furthermore, it is believed that the Nuno holds the power to lay curses upon intruders, resulting in ailments like swelling or pain in various parts of the body, vomiting of blood, urination of black liquid, and excessive hair growth on the back.

Legends also maintain that positioning a corpulent or plump female by the side of a road after midnight can lure the Nuno out of hiding, permitting those affected to seek vengeance upon the creature. The Nuno is said to have a peculiar fondness for large-bodied members of the opposite sex.

Modern Day Influence

In order to evade the wrath of a Nuno Sa Punso, children are instructed not to play outdoors between noon and three o’clock in the afternoon. Parents often urge them to return home before six o’clock in the evening. Children are also advised to maintain a quiet demeanor in places where Nuno are believed to reside. Furthermore, children are cautioned to seek permission or give notice before passing through areas inhabited by the Nuno, which is done by uttering phrases like “tabi tabi po” (literally translating to “please make way” or “please step aside,” signifying a request for the Nuno to move aside) or “please allow me to pass through” or “I bear no harm as I traverse your territory, Old Man of the Mound.”

Even in the face of modernization, the belief in the Nuno Sa Punso persists in many regions of the Philippines. These mythical beings have found their way into various forms of media, such as movies, TV series, and literature, where they are frequently depicted as misunderstood creatures merely seeking respect from humankind.